Ch.8181. Choi Min-seo’s Betrayal, Morgan Falls into a Trap

I received a communication in advance stating that we had no hostile intentions, so the Galaxy Empire, while keeping us in check, readily opened the entrance.

Today’s objective is to negotiate with Dorado before taking down Recter.

I brought only one platoon of SSS-class villains as my escort. Lu-a, Lena, and Boksil are on Earth.

As I entered the ship, which more resembled a planet, Morgan greeted me along with numerous high-ranking combatants.

“Know that it is an honor merely to set foot on the noble land of the Galaxy Empire, warrior of an inferior race.”

“I have no business with you. Bring me the strongest one on this ship right now.”

“Insolent fool. The Emperor is not someone the likes of you can request an audience with whenever you please.”

“Did you not understand? I said the strongest one.”

Morgan frowned.

Perhaps this newcomer didn’t know.

“Ho ho. Are you saying I’m not the one with the knotted eye?”

A low-toned elderly voice echoed. When I turned my gaze, Dorado was coming down the stairs, stroking his beard.

“I don’t believe we’ve had any contact before, Red Warrior.”

“The same goes for you, Great Sage.”

“Step back, Warden. It seems this old man has some business to attend to.”

“Understood.”

Morgan moved through a portal. After Dorado manipulated the portal, he guided me.

“How about a cup of tea between the two of us?”

Dorado nodded. I entered the portal without hesitation.

The place we moved to was Dorado’s domain. It was a library filled with ancient books.

“Take a seat anywhere. This old man hasn’t had visitors in 200 years, but lately it’s been quite busy.”

As I sat at the table, Dorado quickly prepared two steaming cups and sat across from me.

“Gerogius, was it? The Red Dragon who defeated Dark Arthur.”

“Don’t call me by that name.”

“Ho ho, I’ll do as you say. But the past is like a stream of water—unless you evaporate it completely, even when cut, it somehow reconnects.”

“Just get to the point. I’m going to settle things with Recter in a week. Whatever happens during that process or whatever the outcome, don’t interfere.”

“Why should this body refrain from doing so?”

“Wasn’t that your intention all along?”

“You have good ears. You’re right. I have no reason to stop it since a duel with a strong opponent is exactly what that child Recter wanted.”

Dorado chuckled, seemingly reminiscing about his memories with Recter.

“However.”

Suddenly, his tone sharpened.

“Recter also holds an important position in the vast Galaxy Empire. There are successors in the homeland. Those who were involved in politics will manage well. Still, a period of chaos is unavoidable. What if someone strikes during that vulnerable time?”

I fully understood Dorado’s meaning.

He was assuming Recter would be defeated by me.

He was guarding against the crisis that would befall the Galaxy Empire as a result.

Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, but…

“You are dangerous, Gerogius.”

He was wary of me.

This was the development I was worried about.

Dorado is an executive of the Galaxy Empire, but his position relative to Recter is somewhat ambiguous.

As Recter’s mentor since childhood, he is stronger than Recter.

That’s why in the original work, he appears as a sort of hidden boss in a side story after clearing Recter.

The problem is that this is reality, and Dorado isn’t a program but a living monster who thinks and judges for himself.

How he would act toward me was the issue.

And judging from our conversation now, he seems full of intent to intervene and kill me when I defeat Recter.

That’s why negotiation is necessary.

“You’re overestimating me.”

“Overestimating, you say.”

“Where did the Galaxy Empire that looked down on humans as an inferior race go? Are you trembling in fear that this inferior race might swallow the entire Galaxy Empire?”

“Other executives might think that way. On the contrary, I’ve seen much potential in humans.”

“As I told Recter at first, I never intended to venture into space. Do you know why?”

“Hmm.”

“Because I can’t see beyond space, and I can’t breathe in space. What’s the point of ruling something beyond my sight?”

“I wouldn’t know. I’ve spent my life exploring magic.”

“To me, ruling space is as meaningless as you abandoning magic and swinging a tree branch to become a sword saint. You can have space—bite it, suck it, do whatever you want with it.”

“You’re satisfied with just this small planet?”

“This is the standard of my world. To me, planets in space are not land, and monsters are not even living beings. I’ve already put almost all of Earth under my feet. You lot are just the final obstacle to be removed. Don’t you know? Above all, humanity doesn’t have the technology to venture into space.”

“Technology, you say.”

“We don’t understand your system of magical power. Nor are we interested. If you don’t believe me, I’ll give you this in exchange for not interfering with me and Recter.”

I placed an item in front of him.

A spherical essence glowing with purple light.

Seeing it, Dorado’s eyes sparkled. Though I’m not sure where his eyes are.

“Oh, this…! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such pure and highly concentrated magical power!”

“It’s Dark Arthur’s heart. As you can see, there’s no trace of it being used.”

That’s a lie.

It has nothing to do with Dark Arthur; it’s a trophy I had as a special achievement reward.

Of course, I’ve never used it. It’s a decorative item that can’t be used.

He’ll probably struggle for a long time after taking this, not knowing how to use it.

He might become obsessed with this trophy for a hundred years. He might study it until he dies of old age, it might become a family business, or it might become a symbol of some imperial family somewhere in the distant universe, but that’s not my concern.

Actually, it’s quite amusing.

“With this, that research too… Hmm. I see. Was it my overestimation? Not understanding magic and magical power is indeed fatal. Hmm.”

Dorado pondered.

If humanity poses no threat, he has no reason to wage war unnecessarily.

To face us, Dorado would have to expend a considerable amount of magical power he’s been storing, and interfering with Recter’s duel would risk incurring his anger and possible expulsion.

He’s someone who’s been indifferent to politics all his life. Even if his actions were for the empire, it would work against him.

Let me deliver the finishing blow while pretending not to know.

“What’s your relationship with Recter? Why is a strong being like you under Recter? Wasn’t the Galaxy Empire structured with the strong at the top?”

“Nothing hinders the pursuit of truth more than power. I merely taught that child Recter a few pieces of wisdom.”

“A master-disciple relationship, then. Isn’t it a master’s duty to fulfill his disciple’s wish?”

“You have a cunning tongue like a demon, Gerogius.”

Dorado nodded.

“But you speak the truth. As you say, I won’t interfere with the duel. In return, I’ll take this magical sphere.”

“It’s payment after the fact. I’ll hand it over when the duel is over.”

“Ho ho. Did you think I would trust a human and make a deal?”

“Conversely, what benefit would I gain by not giving you this toy? To me, it’s just a stone. Being rational is a human strength.”

“Hmm.”

Dorado eventually accepted.

“I’ll prepare the location. Place the magical sphere there before the duel begins. I’ll cast a spell that will only release the seal when the duel is over.”

“Understood.”

The negotiation was successful.

Of course, there’s still a possibility that Dorado might change his mind and attack after the battle with Recter, but just not having to face both of them simultaneously increases my chances of winning exponentially.

Now I need to go back and finish preparing for the final battle with Recter.

As I was getting up, Dorado muttered.

“Hmm. You didn’t drink the tea.”

“Humans don’t call a 320-degree liquid mixed with mercury ‘tea’.”

“It’s a good leaf, what a shame.”

That’s when it happened.

BOOM!!

An explosion was heard from afar. It was the sound of a battle breaking out somewhere on the ship.

I had a bad feeling. My subordinates wouldn’t cause problems. They’re elites who understand the situation perfectly.

Morgan wouldn’t betray us at this point either.

Is there a third force?

I immediately communicated.

“Report.”

“Assessing the situation, Lord. No problems on our end. The entire platoon is on standby with mechs and spacecraft.”

Prism God, the leader of the platoon, answered. Another communication came in. It was Deep Dive.

“Lord! I think I know what it is! There, they’re there!”

“Who are you talking about?”

“Yellow Cloaker, Ocean Saber!”

Damn those bastards.

I told them to chase Choi Minseo, not to act on their own judgment.

They’re truly useless trash. The subordinates monitoring them are incompetent too.

I need to handle this myself before the negotiation with Dorado falls apart.

“Your report was late. Mark their location. Connect the wiretap directly to me.”

After checking the hologram screen, I immediately asked Dorado.

“How do I get to Eridanus’s domain?”

***

A little earlier.

Clank!

Morgan locked Choi Minseo in a solitary cell, closed the iron bars, and sealed the lock with magical power.

“What are you doing, you bitch!”

“An important guest is coming to see His Majesty. I can’t let someone like you who doesn’t know manners out. It would be best not to touch the lock. If someone with weaker magical power than me touches it, they’ll be burned immediately.”

Morgan left the struggling Choi Minseo and went to greet Jung Ui-seok.

After he moved to negotiate with Dorado, she reported the situation to Recter.

Recter said he wanted to meet after Gerogius was completed and wouldn’t intervene.

Afterward, Morgan returned to her domain, the prison, through a portal to check on Choi Minseo.

And she frowned at the sight of the devastated iron bars.

At that moment.

“Ugh…?!”

Her body was pressed down by a black, heavy aura. Enhanced magical power. The very energy that proved one’s strength.

“You put on all that authority, but you’re nothing special, Warden.”

Choi Minseo walked toward Morgan with a mocking smile.

“You, are you planning to betray us?”

“Ahaha. How long are you going to use that stiff way of speaking? Hey, do you know what?”

Choi Minseo brought her face close to Morgan’s ear and whispered.

“Kang Yerin and Ji Se-hwa are here too right now.”

Morgan’s eyebrow twitched upon hearing those words.

Choi Minseo twirled a staff adorned with numerous skulls. Dozens of magic circles surrounded Morgan’s body, binding her.

All sorts of curses began to engulf Morgan, burning her bones, blood, and mind.

“Ahahahaha! How amusing would it be for those two to see you die? I’ll make sure to watch until the end. Have a good time!”

Choi Minseo shoved Morgan’s chest hard. Following the momentum, Morgan was pushed back through the portal behind her.

And then.

“Yerin, this monster!”

“Morgan…! So Ursula was Morgan. What a persistent connection we have.”

“This is fun. Let’s take her down as an appetizer before Choi Minseo!”

Morgan witnessed Kang Yerin and Ji Se-hwa charging toward her.